Hubbard County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A Cass Lake-area couple died in a car-train crash Friday morning.
The crash happened just west of Cass Lake, Minnesota.
It occurred at the Hubbard County Road 101 rail crossing in Farden Township.
What happened
The Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office said a 911 call came in at 10:57 a.m.
Deputies and medics responded to the crossing.
They found two people inside a vehicle.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Douglas Stewart, 61, of rural Cass Lake, was killed.
- Tiffany Stewart, 42, his wife, was also killed.
- The couple was in a 2016 Dodge Journey, officials said.
What investigators say
Investigators said the Dodge Journey traveled south on County Road 101.
They said it stopped at the stop sign before the tracks.
Officials said the SUV then entered the crossing.
A westbound freight train struck the vehicle.
The train was operated by BNSF Railway.
The sheriff’s office did not report injuries to the train crew.
No other vehicles were involved, based on early reports.
What is still unknown
Officials have not shared details about warning devices at the crossing.
They have not said if lights or gates were present.
They have not released information about weather or sight lines.
Those details often come later in the review.
Rail crossing safety reminders
Rail crossings can be hard to judge, even at slow speeds.
Trains can appear farther away than they are.
A train also needs a long distance to stop.
Safety groups urge drivers to stop, look, and listen every time.
For more tips, see Operation Lifesaver rail safety.
You can also review guidance from the Federal Railroad Administration.
Local updates may be posted by the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office.
What’s next
The crash remains under investigation.
Authorities may release more details after the scene review.
Anyone with information should contact local law enforcement.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.